Natural Enemies (1979)

A man hires hires five hookers to fulfil a final fantasy before killing himself and his family.

Director:

Jeff Kanew

Writers:

Julius Horwitz (based on the novel by), Jeff Kanew

Stars:

Hal Holbrook, Louise Fletcher, Peter Armstrong

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hal Holbrook	...	Paul Steward
Louise Fletcher	...	Miriam Steward
Peter Armstrong	...	Tony Steward
Elizabeth Berridge	...	Sheila Steward
Steve Austin	...	Alex Steward (as Stephen Austin)
Jim Pappas	...	Fred Russo
Ellen Barber	...	Anne
John Bartholomew	...	Arthur Eaton
Charles Randall	...	Doctor
José Ferrer	...	Harry Rosenthal (as Jose Ferrer)
Lisa Carroll	...	The Madam
June Berry	...	Girl in Brothel
Alisha Fontaine	...	Girl in Brothel
Patricia Mauceri	...	Girl in Brothel
Michele O'Brien	...	Girl in Brothel

Storyline

A man hires hires five hookers to fulfil a final fantasy before killing himself and his family.

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Plot Keywords:

suicide | murder of family | child murder | independent film

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 October 1981 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Hidden Thoughts

Company Credits

Production Co:

Utopia

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (TVC)

User Reviews

Wiping the slate clean.

Natural Enemies aka Hidden Thoughts, based on a novel by Julius Horowitz, is a serious and incredibly intriguing film that begins with a voice-over narration by the Father/Husband (Hal Holbrook) telling us his reasons why he is heavily leaning towards shooting his manic depressive wife (Louise Fletcher), his three neglected children, and then himself. This is a man at the end of his rope, and you realize the film just began.

Throughout the film he speaks of many topics such as monotony, predictability, disappointment, lack of emotion, connection and love. His words and demeanor are at times sullen, blunt, and always feeling as if thought through entirely. You tag along as he visits a brothel, talks with suspecting friends, and as well watch him struggle and overwhelm himself, others, and the viewer with his thoughts and pessimistic stances. You watch the film in a very uncertain manner, wondering if any of his many interactions will have any lasting affect.

Natural Enemies takes all the correct turns when attempting to feel like a true slice of life, and with such great writing and acting, the film delivers a consistently difficult, at times relatable, and always thoughtful story.